What a Day!

My (Larry) day started off well...perhaps like the pulling out of station on a roller coaster...and then I hit the hills. Mid-morning, while finishing a counselling session, I could feel the crash coming. By noon, I was a hurting unit...the legs were wobbly and the world had a disconcerting spin happening. I litterally choked the leftover Kraft dinner and weiners down, trying not to gag on the dryness and overall displeasure. I survived that and thought a walk around the downtown would help...but not so much.

I read a blog ( I believe it was Vicky) who had a brilliant idea of checking to see what food bank perishables were available, then go to the grocery store to purchase some of the same. The idea was so those that have to survive off the food bank could get there needs met. I called the Salvation Army and spoke to Jennifer, who explained the process, and very gently reminded me that I would be cheating by doing the grocery shopping, and would also defeat the purpose. She let me know the line was long, so if I wasn't going to cheat, I should come soon. As I felt my blood sugar return to some sort of normal, I was off. Jennifer, thanks for not letting me off!

There is nothing subtle about a 6'1" bald man dressed in a polo shirt and Tommy Hilfiger pants, when all around are under 6' and in denim (and have hair). The woman in front of me at the foodbank was very kind and made small talk with me...and gently asked if this was my first time there...I must have looked a little uncomfortable. By the time I had reached the fresh items, I had already scoped out was I was going to partake in: milk, glorious homogenized milk, and onions to flavor the eggs, and sketchy looking peppers but would also add flavor to items, and the oh-so-good looking day-overdue fruit salad...I scored big...I left floating on a cloud.
Elated, I called Kath on her cell to inform of my great find...the day was looking a whole lot better.

When I got home, we dined on succulent fruit, mushy as it might be...and even saved some for tommorrow...Kath made an amazing omellete with onions and peppers and a side of creamed corn, and bread...and glorious homogenized milk. I even get to watch my Dolphins play on Monday night football, while partaking a little pile of Ritz crackers. The roller coaster has arrived back into the station.

I am grateful for the staff at the Salavtion Army...for their hard work...for the way they non-judgmentally try to meet the needs of those who have little or no voice in our society...for Jennifer pushing me to maintain the integrity of this challenge...for day old fruit and veggies..and for the kind first-nations woman who made standing in line a little more comfortable.